- Telegram announced plans to integrate xAI’s chatbot Grok across its platform.
- Elon Musk clarified that no contract has been signed despite public statements.
- Both parties confirmed an agreement in principle, pending formal terms.
Telegram and Elon Musk’s xAI are in discussions to integrate Grok, an AI chatbot, across Telegram’s messaging platform. Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced the plan on Wednesday on X. However, Musk clarified that no formal agreement has been signed.
Telegram Announces xAI Integration
In his announcement, Durov said the messaging platform had reached a one-year agreement with xAI to bring its Grok chatbot to over 1 billion Telegram users. He also announced the move on his personal Telegram channel, saying the integration would apply to all Telegram apps starting this summer.
Related: Telegram Raises $1.5B in Bond Sale Despite CEO’s Legal Challenges
In a promotional video shared with the announcement, Grok is expected to offer features such as chat summaries, document digests, inbox assistance, smart text editing, and group moderation.
Users will be able to access Grok through Telegram’s search bar and composer window, enabling them to generate stickers, polish direct messages, and interact with content more efficiently.
Durov also claimed the deal would strengthen Telegram’s financial position. According to his post, Telegram would receive $300 million in cash and equity from xAI and 50% of all revenue generated from xAI subscriptions sold through Telegram.
Musk Responds, Says No Deal Signed
Shortly after Durov’s announcement, Elon Musk posted on X, stating: “No deal has been signed.” This created uncertainty around the nature of the agreement.
However, Durov acknowledged Musk’s statement, responding: “True. Agreed in principle, but formalities are pending.”
The exchange suggests that while both parties may have reached verbal or informal agreement on the collaboration, the legal and contractual steps are still in progress.
The public back-and-forth drew attention across the tech industry. Solana Co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko added a humorous note on X, posting: “I have altered the terms of the deal. Pray I do not alter it any further.” The comment, referencing Star Wars, highlighted the fluid nature of business negotiations in the tech sector.
Toncoin Surges Amid Telegram Developments
The announcement came on a day filled with Telegram-related headlines. Toncoin, the cryptocurrency tied to the Telegram Open Network (TON), saw a remarkable uptick. Its value increased by more than 20%, trading at $3.60.
However, its price has since retraced a bit and now trades at $3.29, a 10.4% surge in the past day. The token’s market capitalization rose to $8.9 billion but is now at $8.1, placing it among the top 20 cryptocurrencies.
Meanwhile, the rally followed reports of BlackRock’s participation in Telegram’s $1.5 billion bond sale and the appointment of former Visa crypto executive Nikola Plecas as the TON Foundation’s vice president of payments.
Related: BlackRock-Backed Libre Brings $500M Telegram Bond Fund To TON: Price Surge Next?
Telegram officially adopted Toncoin in January 2024 as the only accepted cryptocurrency for in-app services. The ongoing collaboration between Telegram and the TON Foundation is deepening.
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